NCPCR seeks report on child trafficking case

Taking suo motu cognisance of the recent child trafficking case wherein a man sold his 20-day-old son to a Delhi-based businessman, the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has demanded a report from the police commissioner within 30 days.

Taking suo motu cognisance of the recent child trafficking case wherein a man sold his 20-day-old son to a Delhi-based businessman, the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has demanded a report from the police commissioner within 30 days.

The organisation has also sent a copy of the letter to its state counterpart, deputy commissioner and assistant commissioner of police (west).

In the letter, the commission has asked for a copy of the first information report (FIR) regsistered against the accused, besides a copy of a report on action taken against the police officials who allegedly took money from the accused to keep mum about the incident.

The child rights body has also demanded a detailed factual report, along with the current status of the baby, who was later recovered.

The police have arrested accused father Dharam Singh, nursing home receptionist Pooja and buyer Sham Lal. Sub-inspector Subhash Chander and ASI Bhupinder Singh were arrested for extortion, and are in police custody.

Police are yet to arrest midwife Tara Rani, who was one of the main mediators of the deal; ASI Som Lal; and Bhupinder Singh's accomplices Kashmira, Raj Rani and Kulwant Kaur.

Assistant police commissioner (west) Ravinder Pal Singh Sandhu said teams were conducting raids at several places to nab those absconding, and claimed that they would be behind bars soon.

Case historyDharam Singh alias Dharma, a helper at the cremation ground of Basti Bawa Khel, had sold his 20-day-old son to New Delhi grocery shop owner Sham Lal through receptionist Pooja and midwife Tara Rani. He had three children already.

ASI Bhupinder's accomplices and usual informers Rani, Kulwant and Kashmira told him about the deal between Dharma and Sham Lal. Introducing themselves as police officials, along with SI Subhash Chander, they threatened Dharma and demanded `50,000 to save him from police action.

The deal was finalised at `40,000, of which `7,000 was taken by Bhupinder; while Chander and ASI Som Lal together took `13,000.

A case was registered against Subhash Chander, Bhupinder Singh, Som Lal, Kashmira, Raj Rani and Kulwant Kaur under Sections 217, 384, 385, 420 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code.